Environment

WASHINGTON — Dolphins are dying in unusually high numbers. Sea turtle nests are declining. Tuna are developing abnormally. And pelicans and gulls are suffering from the lasting effects of a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico five years ago, the National Wildlife Federation warned in a report released Monday. The impact is concentrated in the northern Gulf, but scientists say the long-term damage affects spawning waters for many …

WASHINGTON — In a highly anticipated announcement, the United States will offer a roughly 28 percent emissions cut as its contribution to a major global climate treaty nearing the final stages of negotiation, according to people briefed on the White House’s plans. The U.S. plans to announce its commitment Tuesday, the informal deadline …

CORRECTION: NORTHAMPTON — A story Monday incorrectly stated the perceived health consequences found in striped bass that eat lobster. Researcher Robert Murphy found that the fish had smaller than normal livers. South Hadley High School science teacher Jacob …

As concerns grow over fossil fuel consumption, there’s greater interest in alternative low-energy production systems. On March 7, the Hilltown Land Trust will offer an event to teach about low-impact sustainable forestry. It will include a walk through a hardwood upland forest and a demonstration by local forester …

How do we equip ourselves and our children with the tools needed to sustain the Earth? This is a challenging time for the field of environmental education. It’s no longer enough for environmental centers to help people learn …

The Audubon Society has reported a variety of recent bird sightings in western Massachusetts. A northern shrike continues to be seen in Windsor, and a Bohemian waxwing was also found. A rough-legged hawk continues in Lee, and five …

PHOENIX — Two quick-footed llamas dashed in and out of traffic in a Phoenix-area retirement enclave before they were captured by authorities Thursday, causing a stir in the streets and on social media. A large, white llama and …

Proposed state laws on solar-electric generation would discourage home, small-scale commercial and community photovoltaic projects, legislators were told Wednesday. Nearly 24 advocates for keeping state policies that encourage as much solar development as possible pressed a legislative task …

The attorney general of Vermont has endorsed a petition filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission raising concerns about the ability of Entergy Nuclear ability to pay for decommissioning the now-closed Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. It also seeks an investigation into Entergy’s fiscal health in relation to the Vernon …

Snow fell on the Deep South on Wednesday as another storm brought nasty weather to the region, walloping places that were hit hard just last week. Schools, daycares and offices closed ahead of the storm and governors once …